The interview forms the basis for the decision in the asylum proceedings. The decision rests on the fate of the individual applicant as a matter of principle. Applicants are afforded sufficient time in order to explain their personal reasons for taking flight.

The Federal Office examines each asylum application on the basis of the German Asylum Act as to whether one of the four forms of protection – entitlement to asylum, refugee protection, subsidiary protection, or a ban on deportation – applies.